YSGOL GYNRADD NANTGAREDIG
POLISI GWRTH-FWLIO YSGOL NANTGAREDIG
Nantgaredig School Anti-Bullying Policy
The school must recognize that bullying can take place in a happy and supportive environment like Nantgaredig School. The school must also consider that there are two extremes of bullying – the occasional and obvious incidents on the one hand to the quiet, hidden and regular pestering on the other. Both can cause profound anxiety and the pupil may become stressed and unhappy. The school, as part of it’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEAL) will educate the pupils on the strategies to implement when responding to bullying in a sensitive and positive manner. They should be made aware that the act of bullying is both unacceptable and an anti-social behaviour.
AIMS
What is bullying?
Occasionally, the school is informed that a bullying incident has taken place – a pupil may have caused physical harm to another pupils on the school yard or in the classroom. It’s therefore imperative that the situation is dealt with swiftly and effectively to ensure that these isolated incidents are not repeated and that the guilty pupil is reprimanded accordingly.
Bullying can happen in different ways – physical incidents are the most obvious to recognize as they can leave marks as evidence. On the other hand, quieter and subtle incidents e.g. name-calling, can be as painful for the individual. The act of threatening and frightening a pupil can also cause distress although visual marks are impossible to prove.
A bully thrives on seeing this “fright” in the eyes of another pupil and having the feeling of power and control over a situation. Most young children show signs of being very demanding but soon grow out of this immature behaviour. A bully can also thrive on threatening younger children and enjoy the feeling of being king of the castle. This behaviour can also be to deny an individual from playing a game or to deliberately spoil another’s game/ activity during playtime.
DEALING WITH BULLYING INCIDENTS EFFECTIVELY
1. The headteacher must be informed of any form of bullying and will consider all cases individually.
2. The school must make arrangements to invite parents of the pupil being bullied to fully understand the extent of the unacceptable behaviour. The instigator and his or her parents must recognize that this behaviour is not acceptable in our school or in society in general.
3. The parents of the bully may also be called to the school in the event of the bullying behaviour continuing. Support will be offered to both parents and pupil when appropriate.
4. This initial strategy is to discuss the matter openly with the pupil and to reassure him/her that the school staff members are supportive and ready to assist however trivial the complaint may initially appear. This approach can also be effective with the bully.
5. It can be difficult to recognize a pattern of bullying behaviour. A confrontation may take place and could turn out to be an isolated incident. This “one off” incident must be differentiated from the regular and ongoing bullying behaviour. All staff should be made aware of the difference between an isolated fracas compared to the regular and planned behaviour of the bully. The school staff should promote positive behaviour and attitudes at all times and to and to ensure that all pupils enjoy their education. External factors will impact on the development of the suffering pupil.
6. A record will be kept of any bullying behaviour or incidents.
STRATEGIES THAT ARE IN PLACE TO AVOID BULLYING
Steps are taken by the headteacher and staff to avoid bullying incidents taking place in school. This can be done discretely to ensure that all is well between groups of pupils and that individuals don’t feel isolated in any way. A class teacher will also present lessons to relay important messages regarding bullying (SEAL). Pupils can also be asked to present their thoughts on paper.
A record will be kept of persistent allegations to see if a pattern appears. A record is also kept of any discussions with pupils, parents and staff regarding a bullying matter. The ethos and atmosphere in the school influences the behaviour of nearly all pupils – the attitude of staff towards pupils, the dinner ladies and kitchen staff also. The school must promote positive self-esteem for all pupils by encouraging and giving praise for good behaviour. Teaching and support staff must ensure that all pupils behave appropriately during break and lunch times.
Staff must observe areas around the school where bullying could occur e.g. the far end of the field. Pupils must be punctual at the beginning of a lesson. Matters concerning bullying are also discussed in school council meetings. Pupils are encouraged to voice their concerns to a member of staff or a member of the school council. Yard Buddies can also be encouraged if needed. Pupils are also encouraged to voice concerns using the class “bocs becso”.
Important messages regarding anti-social behaviour are relayed during morning assemblies (e.g. SEAL). The curriculum is also used to present the importance of anti-bullying (PSE). ALL members of the school community should be aware of the procedures. Pupils are encouraged to support others. Feedback from questionnaires is used regularly to collect evidence from pupils, parents and staff regarding any concerns about the school community as a whole.
THE CLASS TEACHER
The relationship between the pupil and class teacher is key. A sensitive teacher that is always ready to go out of his or her way to support all pupils is invaluable. The respect that he or she shows can influence the attitude and behaviour the individual pupil shows others. The pupils must feel that they can confide in a teacher and to be open if they are concerned about anything. Circle time is also a powerful strategy to encourage discussions regarding concerns the pupils may have.
SANCTIONS
The action of the pupil is punished and not the bully. The bully must understand that there is no place for such behaviour in our school. The pupils must change his or her way. The school must:
1. Record the name of the bully and the behaviour associated with him or her. He/she also receives a verbal warning. If the problem persists, the parents are informed and invited to a meeting do discuss the necessary sanctions.
2. If the bullying behaviour continues, the headteacher will contact the parents by letter and invite them to a more formal meeting to discuss a possible suspension from school. The schoolwelfare officer would be invited to a meeting of this caliber.
The role of the parents:
1. Parents are encouraged to emphasise the importance of positive social behaviour;
2. To inform the school of any concerns regarding a pupils suffering at the hands of a bully or to inform of a known instigator;
3. To support the procedures of the school to prevent bullying.
TO SUMMARISE
As previously mentioned, a number of pupils will complain to a teacher that someone has pushed/hit him or her or that he/she is not allowed to play in a game during break time. The challenge for the school is to decipher between an isolated incident and a pattern of persistent bullying.
The school staff must ensure that they look out for the quiet unassuming child – the individuals that would not be prepared to complain or make a fuss. Their school days are bound to be painful thus having a negative impact on their education.
The staff must also look out for the provocative pupil – his/ her attitude could well result in a backlash from a child that’s been harassed.
Our aim in Nantgaredig school is that all pupils are happy therefore can perform to their full potential and to prepare them for life after school.
Approved – May 2015
To be reviewed – September 2016
S.Griffiths (Headteacher)
Mr Lloyd Thomas (Chair of governors)